Of course, it all worked out, so it's easy to support this decision now. Still, I was stoked when I saw him warming up and thought it was a great decision for several reasons:

1. I don't trust Tazawa to hold the lead.

2. They need to conserve Koji.

3. Lackey has two days off before Game 6. It's like he's getting his bullpen work in as scheduled, but under real game conditions. Plus, his workload in Game 2 wasn't overly heavy. He should still be effective in Game 6.

4. It was convenient in double switching the pitcher's spot with Napoli after they decided to pinch run for Papi. They could have switched around other players, but they wouldn't want to have to have Koji hit if they had to bring him in early in the 8th if Tazawa looked vulnerable (a strong possibility).

5. Outside of Koji, he was clearly the best man for the job. Outside of Tazawa, we're looking at a choice between Workman, Morales, and Dempster. Workman is not a bad choice, but he threw 30 pitches in Game 3. He will likely be needed for Game 5 and beyond. Plus, Lackey has already proven himself against this lineup. The only question was could he do it in an unfamiliar role.

Lackey has already been to the top of mountain. He may very well carry his teammates with him there again.

Dempster has been a forgotten man in the playoffs. I thought he would have come in to pitch the 5th I after Buchholz was pinch hit for since Doubront pitched in Game 3. Doubront looked great last night though - the Sox really needed those two quick, clean innings.

Of course, it all worked out, so it's easy to support this decision now. Still, I was stoked when I saw him warming up and thought it was a great decision for several reasons:

1. I don't trust Tazawa to hold the lead.

2. They need to conserve Koji.

3. Lackey has two days off before Game 6. It's like he's getting his bullpen work in as scheduled, but under real game conditions. Plus, his workload in Game 2 wasn't overly heavy. He should still be effective in Game 6.

4. It was convenient in double switching the pitcher's spot with Napoli after they decided to pinch run for Papi. They could have switched around other players, but they wouldn't want to have to have Koji hit if they had to bring him in early in the 8th if Tazawa looked vulnerable (a strong possibility).

5. Outside of Koji, he was clearly the best man for the job. Outside of Tazawa, we're looking at a choice between Workman, Morales, and Dempster. Workman is not a bad choice, but he threw 30 pitches in Game 3. He will likely be needed for Game 5 and beyond. Plus, Lackey has already proven himself against this lineup. The only question was could he do it in an unfamiliar role.

Lackey has already been to the top of mountain. He may very well carry his teammates with him there again.

Dempster has been a forgotten man in the playoffs. I thought he would have come in to pitch the 5th I after Buchholz was pinch hit for since Doubront pitched in Game 3. Doubront looked great last night though - the Sox really needed those two quick, clean innings.

But Farrell knew that the Cardinals struggled against lefties in all year along. That is why I do not understand why Breslow is afraid to pitch against them!!

Dempster is more likely would ruin the game for the Red Sox. Farrell did the right thing last nite. Probably one of the best management game that he managed in the whole series.

Its great to see this team battle hard, I have been a yankees fan all my life but since the Marathon bombing i pledged to root for all boston teams. I have been a bruins and celtics fan all my life and the theres the cowboys, but again im rooting for the patriots.

I sincerely would love to the red sox win this year, seeing that Boston Strong on the feild stil sends chikks down my spine.

Of course, it all worked out, so it's easy to support this decision now. Still, I was stoked when I saw him warming up and thought it was a great decision for several reasons:

1. I don't trust Tazawa to hold the lead.

THIS IS A RIDICULOUS STATEMENT, THE GUY HAS KEPT SO MANY KEY LEADS WITH CLUTCH K'S AND DOUBLE PLAYS, I MORE THAN WANT HIM OUT THERE WITH GAME ON THE LINE. HELL, HE DID IT V. HOLLIDAY FOR HIS ONLY BATTER.

2. They need to conserve Koji.

THIS IS THE WORLD SERIES, YOU DON'T CONSERVE A LIGHTS-OUT CLOSER

3. Lackey has two days off before Game 6. It's like he's getting his bullpen work in as scheduled, but under real game conditions. Plus, his workload in Game 2 wasn't overly heavy. He should still be effective in Game 6.

IT WAS A GREAT MOVE, AND IT WORKED

4. It was convenient in double switching the pitcher's spot with Napoli after they decided to pinch run for Papi. They could have switched around other players, but they wouldn't want to have to have Koji hit if they had to bring him in early in the 8th if Tazawa looked vulnerable (a strong possibility).

AGAIN THE RIP ON TAZAWA, UNCALLED FOR...

5. Outside of Koji, he was clearly the best man for the job. Outside of Tazawa, we're looking at a choice between Workman, Morales, and Dempster. Workman is not a bad choice, but he threw 30 pitches in Game 3. He will likely be needed for Game 5 and beyond. Plus, Lackey has already proven himself against this lineup. The only question was could he do it in an unfamiliar role.

Lackey has already been to the top of mountain. He may very well carry his teammates with him there again.

IT WAS A LOGICAL PLAY TO USE HIM, BETTER PLAY THAT THEY USED DOUBRONT LIKE THEY DID

CONSIDERING HE CHOKED ON NOT BRINGING IN NAPOLI TO BAT IN GAME 3, CONTINUED TO CALL ON BRESLOW WHEN ANYONE CAN TELL HE'S SIMPLY SPOOKED NOW, AND HIS SUPERMAN STATUS HAS BEEN KRYPTONITED, AND THAT HE CHOSE TO LET WORKMAN BAT IN THE FIRST PLACE....I'D CALL IT A GOOD MOVE, NOT GUTSY.

Dempster has been a forgotten man in the playoffs. I thought he would have come in to pitch the 5th I after Buchholz was pinch hit for since Doubront pitched in Game 3. Doubront looked great last night though - the Sox really needed those two quick, clean innings.

Dempster has been forgotten for good reasons. You won't see him unless its a blow out for either team. He can't be trusted at all. He made Sox fans nervous in game 1. No need for him right now. Doubront saved the day for sure. Stellar performance....

CONSIDERING HE CHOKED ON NOT BRINGING IN NAPOLI TO BAT IN GAME 3, CONTINUED TO CALL ON BRESLOW WHEN ANYONE CAN TELL HE'S SIMPLY SPOOKED NOW, AND HIS SUPERMAN STATUS HAS BEEN KRYPTONITED, AND THAT HE CHOSE TO LET WORKMAN BAT IN THE FIRST PLACE....I'D CALL IT A GOOD MOVE, NOT GUTSY.

Nah I'll stick with it being a gutsy move. Lackey is starting pitcher who's used to a certain routine and hasn't pitch in relief since 04. it turned out being a good move but it was a gutsy call to make.

Dempster has been a forgotten man in the playoffs. I thought he would have come in to pitch the 5th I after Buchholz was pinch hit for since Doubront pitched in Game 3. Doubront looked great last night though - the Sox really needed those two quick, clean innings.

But Farrell knew that the Cardinals struggled against lefties in all year along. That is why I do not understand why Breslow is afraid to pitch against them!!

Dempster is more likely would ruin the game for the Red Sox. Farrell did the right thing last nite. Probably one of the best management game that he managed in the whole series.

CONSIDERING HE CHOKED ON NOT BRINGING IN NAPOLI TO BAT IN GAME 3, CONTINUED TO CALL ON BRESLOW WHEN ANYONE CAN TELL HE'S SIMPLY SPOOKED NOW, AND HIS SUPERMAN STATUS HAS BEEN KRYPTONITED, AND THAT HE CHOSE TO LET WORKMAN BAT IN THE FIRST PLACE....I'D CALL IT A GOOD MOVE, NOT GUTSY.

Nah I'll stick with it being a gutsy move. Lackey is starting pitcher who's used to a certain routine and hasn't pitch in relief since 04. it turned out being a good move but it was a gutsy call to make.

Probably just replaced his bullpen session with a live session. I dont think the routine was altered too much. It was a good call and a gutsy call.

CONSIDERING HE CHOKED ON NOT BRINGING IN NAPOLI TO BAT IN GAME 3, CONTINUED TO CALL ON BRESLOW WHEN ANYONE CAN TELL HE'S SIMPLY SPOOKED NOW, AND HIS SUPERMAN STATUS HAS BEEN KRYPTONITED, AND THAT HE CHOSE TO LET WORKMAN BAT IN THE FIRST PLACE....I'D CALL IT A GOOD MOVE, NOT GUTSY.

Nah I'll stick with it being a gutsy move. Lackey is starting pitcher who's used to a certain routine and hasn't pitch in relief since 04. it turned out being a good move but it was a gutsy call to make.

Probably just replaced his bullpen session with a live session. I dont think the routine was altered too much. It was a good call and a gutsy call.

After some questionable calls in Game 3, Farrell redeemed himself last night with some excellent managing.

Not that I'm questioning the move, but I wonder what the reaction would be like if Lackey had come in and blown the game. I'm sure there would be a lot of complaining about how stupid that very same move was.

Francona said it best: If you win, you're smart. If you lose, you're dumb. LOL

After some questionable calls in Game 3, Farrell redeemed himself last night with some excellent managing.

Not that I'm questioning the move, but I wonder what the reaction would be like if Lackey had come in and blown the game. I'm sure there would be a lot of complaining about how stupid that very same move was.

Francona said it best: If you win, you're smart. If you lose, you're dumb. LOL

hi Kimmi!!..so, are you admitting that Theo was only a sometimes genius?

CONSIDERING HE CHOKED ON NOT BRINGING IN NAPOLI TO BAT IN GAME 3, CONTINUED TO CALL ON BRESLOW WHEN ANYONE CAN TELL HE'S SIMPLY SPOOKED NOW, AND HIS SUPERMAN STATUS HAS BEEN KRYPTONITED, AND THAT HE CHOSE TO LET WORKMAN BAT IN THE FIRST PLACE....I'D CALL IT A GOOD MOVE, NOT GUTSY.

Nah I'll stick with it being a gutsy move. Lackey is starting pitcher who's used to a certain routine and hasn't pitch in relief since 04. it turned out being a good move but it was a gutsy call to make.

Probably just replaced his bullpen session with a live session. I dont think the routine was altered too much. It was a good call and a gutsy call.

Mornin' SP...missed ya last night..

Hey Jete! I got an invite to my brothers house, so I was there for the game. I should be in the "Frat Chat" tonight.

I'll admit I was skeptical at best. Had I been the skipper, I'd have left Tazawa and hoped for at least one out, then gone to Koji. But this way worked out way better. As I've always said, we can second-guess all we want, but only John Farrell truly knows his personnel.

But this is the thing about managerial moves. Today, everyone's praising Farrell for going with Lackey. But had Lackey served up a tying homer, everyone would have been all over Farrell for a stupid move. Point being, managers make decisions, but whether they work or not is largely out of their hands.

On a semi-related note, I was screaming in the 9th "Why are we holding the runner at first with a two-run lead in the 9th?!? Napoli, move over!!!" And then we pick the guy off. Show's what I know.

What about removing Felix for another lefy? One who imploded last time out. still scratching my head over that one.

Maybe Farrell do not want Felix to be over-work, and he need him for game 6 and game 7. I do not think he ll be available tonite, but I could be wrong.

Farrell wouldnt think Breslow would keep struggling for three games in a row. But, I just think he may not be his fault from game 2 and 3. Game two, Salty couldnt throw out the runner at 3rd when St Louis had two baserunners going for a double steal which that would easily have gotten the second outs at 3b, and also at the same time it would make much eaiser for Breslow to work on the next batter. Then game 3, Breslow got the first batter to hit a ground ball to Bogaerts at SS. Had Farrell left Drew there, Drew would have made that play while this rookie Bogaerts couldnt. Really I just sometime think the defense could not get the job done for him at the same time it is a tight game.

I would still use Breslow again, and hopefully Farrell have all the better defenders on the field for him.

What about removing Felix for another lefy? One who imploded last time out. still scratching my head over that one.

He didn't implode last time out. He gave up an infield single that Bogaerts should have played better and barely nipped Beltran's elbow with a pitch -- which Beltran did nothing to avoid. I wouldn't have hesitated to put Breslow in last night. But of course hindsight is always pretty clear.

By the way, Breslow will pitch again. Maybe not tonight, but Wednesday and/or Thursday. We're going to need him.